Good News for California's Lone Gray Wolf

After hours of public testimony last Wednesday, the California Fish and Game Commission moved one step closer toward securing endangered species protection for the first gray wolf in California in more than 80 years.

The decision to advance the gray wolf to "candidate" status now launches a one-year study by Department of Fish and Game staff to determine whether the wolf should be listed under the California Endangered Species Act. The process includes a public participation component, so the public will get the chance to weigh in with data and comments. I will keep my eye out and post information on how to provide comments here when it becomes available, and we will continue to push for long-term protection for the gray wolf so this iconic native species can roam California's forests and mountains once again.